Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN Geneva Saturday, May 12, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1985
    Reference No: 3450
    Movement No: 1'119'773
    Case No: 2'808'550
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460QB, 37 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated April 9, 1985, Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with opaline dial and applied yellow gold indexes in 1985 and its subsequent sale on April 9, 1985, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1981, reference 3450 was the successor of reference 3448 - Patek Philippe's very first automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch. While physically similar to reference 3448, it most notably features a leap year indicator on the dial. In addition, its case back is slightly smaller and is fitted with a "tongue", enabling it to be easily removed by the wearer.

    The present watch, manufactured in 1985, is among the very last generation of reference 3450s ever made before the introduction of reference 3940. While the first generation examples were fitted with a "red dot" to indicate the fourth leap year, second generation examples displayed Roman numerals I, II, III and IV, like the present model.

    This example is previously unknown and fresh to the auction market. Having been carefully preserved within the same collection for over 25 years, it benefits from the presence of its Certificate of Origin, stating the watch was retailed at the Patek Philippe salon in Geneva. Furthermore it retains its original fitted presentation box. Preserved extremely well, it displays two hallmarks punched on the caseband, and sharp finishes on the side of the case.

    Patek Philippe produced very limited quantities of reference 3450, typically casing the model in yellow gold. To date, scholars estimate that Patek Philippe produced only 237 examples in total. As such, fresh gems hardly ever appear at auction. When they do, it's a momentous occasion, allowing the horological community to celebrate another discovery.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.

    Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.

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Ref. 3450
A rare and attractive yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moonphases, leap year indicator, original certificate and fitted presentation box

1985
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF150,000 - 250,000 
€129,000-214,000
$159,000-265,000

Sold for CHF206,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 81
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Geneva Auction 12-13 May 2018